Physicists Observe Rare Resonance In Molecules For the First Time (phys.org) 10
Physicists at MIT have for the very first time observed a resonance between two colliding ultracold molecules. The findings have been published in the journal Nature. From the report: They found that a cloud of super-cooled sodium-lithium (NaLi) molecules disappeared 100 times faster than normal when exposed to a very specific magnetic field. The molecules' rapid disappearance is a sign that the magnetic field tuned the particles into a resonance, driving them to react more quickly than they normally would. The findings shed light on the mysterious forces that drive molecules to chemically react. They also suggest that scientists could one day harness particles' natural resonances to steer and control certain chemical reactions.
Overall, the discovery provides a deeper understanding of molecular dynamics and chemistry. While the team does not anticipate scientists being able to stimulate resonance, and steer reactions, at the level of organic chemistry, it could one day be possible to do so at the quantum scale. "One of the main themes of quantum science is studying systems of increasing complexity, especially when quantum control is potentially in the offing," says John Doyle, professor of physics at Harvard University, who was not involved in the group's research. "These kind of resonances, first seen in simple atoms and then more complicated ones, led to amazing advances in atomic physics. Now that this is seen in molecules, we should first understand it in detail, and then let the imagination wander and think what it might be good for, perhaps constructing larger ultracold molecules, perhaps studying interesting states of matter."
Overall, the discovery provides a deeper understanding of molecular dynamics and chemistry. While the team does not anticipate scientists being able to stimulate resonance, and steer reactions, at the level of organic chemistry, it could one day be possible to do so at the quantum scale. "One of the main themes of quantum science is studying systems of increasing complexity, especially when quantum control is potentially in the offing," says John Doyle, professor of physics at Harvard University, who was not involved in the group's research. "These kind of resonances, first seen in simple atoms and then more complicated ones, led to amazing advances in atomic physics. Now that this is seen in molecules, we should first understand it in detail, and then let the imagination wander and think what it might be good for, perhaps constructing larger ultracold molecules, perhaps studying interesting states of matter."
Faster chemical reactions (Score:5, Informative)
When the article says "disappear" it means they were involved in a chemical reaction 100 times faster than normal. It suggests perhaps cooling and magnetic resonance might be a replacement for catalysts or being able to select which chemical reactions are encouraged while others are suppressed.
Now for faster reading (Score:1)
Now if only they'd replace these "editors" with cooler, more capable* ones, we'd get shorter summaries with more actual information that are faster to read and would yield a more informed discourse.
* By rights this should say "more attractive", but looks ain't everything.
Re: (Score:2)
Honestly GPT3 written and summarized articles are going to be better than what qualifies for a journalist on sites like this.
Re: (Score:1)
When the article says "disappear" it means they were involved in a chemical reaction 100 times faster than normal. It suggests perhaps cooling and magnetic resonance might be a replacement for catalysts or being able to select which chemical reactions are encouraged while others are suppressed.
Yeah, perhaps not replace anything, but merely enhance. Sounds like the resonance they've discovered here is a destructive one, hence the disappearing act.
This is akin to when the naturally aspirated engine, met the turbo. Or perhaps more specifically to address the larger concern, when the flintlock met the full-auto Thompson.
A weapon loaded with someone's specific frequency micro-tuned by DNA, is one hell of a sniper rifle. Not that anyone would ever develop such a thing.
Re: Faster chemical reactions (Score:1)
Or maybe the key to faster than light travel? I imagine that maybe the destination might need some physical relation to the starting point on an atomic level. IDK it sounds cool at least.....
Physics does not exist! (Score:2)
Those damn sophons!
Rare Resonance? (Score:2)
Study (Score:1)